You left the house without emptying the trash. Inevitably, your dog discovered your lapse and emptied the contents in the kitchen, with remnants dragged into the living room. Your first thought—after admonishing yourself—is, why does this happen? One likely reason is that your dog was hungry, though they could’ve been bored or dealing with separation anxiety. Either way, let’s get into more detail about this naughty behavior.

The 5 Reasons Why Dogs Dig Through the Trash

Remember that wild canids will scavenge and eat all sorts of animal or plant matter. It’s behavior that’s hard-wired in animals with strong survival instincts, despite those living in the lap of luxury as our companions. Let’s delve into other reasons for this behavior.

1. A Hungry Hound

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: A dog may get into the trash simply because they’re hungry. It might be close to mealtime, and your pup simply feels like they can’t wait for you. A dog that habitually does it may need a change in their feeding schedule, but giving your pet a carrot or other chewy treat may keep their mind off the trash while you step out for a bit. Some dogs are more food-obsessed than others. We all know a Labrador that is always hungry no matter what. Interestingly, researchers have found a genetic link to insatiable appetite in these dogs.¹

2. Enticing Smells

Remember that survival drives most of a canine’s behavior. They have good sniffers, and some evidence suggests they can detect scents over 12 miles away!² The kitchen garbage can is fair game for a determined pup. Interestingly, research has shown that dogs have different smell preferences, and they go beyond a juicy steak or grilled chicken.³ Scientists found some pups like smelling blackberries and blueberries. So, even if you don’t have any animal protein in your trash, they’re just as enticed by scraps of fruits and veggies.

3. Boredom

Dogs need lots of enrichment and mental stimulation. It’s vital for their well-being. A bored animal is a destructive one, and getting into the trash just happens to have a tasty outcome. The best way to combat a bored dog is to ensure they’re getting enough exercise. You can also provide them with mentally stimulating toys while you’re gone, such as a puzzle feeder.

4. Anxiety

This behavior may also occur in pets with separation anxiety. Dogs can experience distress when separated from their caregivers. The garbage may be one of many targets for their frustration and other signs include vocalizing, trying to escape, and toileting inside the house. If you suspect your dog has separation anxiety, be sure to speak to a vet about this so you can address the issue immediately.

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5. Learned Behavior

Dogs are intelligent, which is why they can learn that the trash can is a good place to find a snack if they’re hungry. If they get a reward while they’re doing it, your pet will repeat this behavior in the future. Often, this behavior occurs when no one is around to stop them. Repeat offenses cement the association. This is one reason that stopping the behavior before it occurs is the best option.

Stopping the Behavior

Curtailing this behavior is imperative. Many human foods, like onions, xylitol, chocolate, and raisins, are highly toxic to pets. Even containers and wrappings present risks because they have lingering food smells, and their ingestion can lead to intestinal blockages. Therefore, any trash can may contain something potentially lethal to your pup. Don’t tempt your dog with something that smells good.

Prevention is the best way to manage this behavior. Address any underlying issues like boredom and separation anxiety. That puts the onus on you and everyone in your household to ensure the trash isn’t accessible. Use heavy cans with lids that make it difficult for your dog to get into. Before you leave, take trash bags outside or to the garage if they contain anything dangerous. Don’t let any food remain in the garbage overnight or if you’re leaving your home. If in doubt, toss it out promptly. That applies to all the waste bins in your home.

Final Thoughts

A dog getting into the trash is not only annoying, but it can also be dangerous for your pet. Many human foods aren’t safe for your pup to eat. That makes breaking this bad habit imperative. The best way to control it is to break the cycle by removing access to this hazard. Remove the trash promptly to a place your dog can’t access. It’s a helpful way to prevent accidental poisonings. If you suspect your dog ate something dangerous, get them to the vet right away to be safe.

Featured Image Credit: people_pets, Shutterstock